Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest gardens under glass in the world. Opened in 1908, this landmark building was the vision of celebrated landscape architect Jens Jensen. The eight exhibit halls feature plants from around the world.

Offers places to fish and picnic. Canoe access. Biking. A host for "A River Thru History" each September, where you can step back 200 years into Chicago's past with a festive gathering of fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertains along the banks of the Des Plaines River - www.ariverthruhistory.com.

The Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center is a joint project of the Homewood-Flossmoor (HF Parks.com) and Olympia Fields (OF Parks.com) park districts. The near 40-acre nature preserve is home to a diversity of wildlife and habitat types. See beautiful woods, wildflowers, birds and furry friends along the way. There are trails along both sides of the park which is located at Vollmer and Western Avenues in Olympia Fields. Please be careful when crossing Vollmer Road. The Park is open to the public daily, sunrise to sunset

Come out and play with the Chicago Park District. Founded in 1934, the Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks.

A historic tradition lives on at the Elmhurst Park District Conservatory and greenhouses, located in Wilder Park. The conservatory holds four main plant displays a year: a Easter and Calla Lilies in the spring, Chrysanthemums in the fall, Poinsettias in December and an Environmental show with various themes in the Winter. In addition youth education programs are offered with our in house Horticulturist.

Siegel's Cottonwood farm is a fourth generation working farm established in 1909. In the spring and early summer, the farm is open with a garden center featuring flowers, shrubs, and plants. From June 1st thru October, the farm is available for company picnics, group outings, corporate events and fundraisers. In the summer when the crop is ready its extra sweet corn. In the fall its Pumpkinfest time on the farm with playlands, cornfield mazes, new fun attractions, climbing wall, gem mining and much more. And then there is the award winning haunted prison, "Statesville."

Chicago River Canoe and Kayak has everything you need to enjoy the Chicago River; whether you’re in the mood for a quick hour excursion or an afternoon getaway. Guided trips are available for all ability levels, including weekly trips through downtown Chicago, a sunset dinner trip at the Lagoons or a quieter trip down nearby streams.

Lake Katherine Trail is a 3.2-mile trail of moderate difficulty, located near Palos Heights, Illinois. This 1.5-hour hike over wood chip, dirt and gravel roads is one of the best urban nature walk trails in the area. The Preserve features an attractive lake, an arboretum, a waterfall garden, an herb and conifer garden and expansive views from atop a ridge in the eastern section.

With locations throughout Illinois, REI is on the leading edge of outdoor adventure and stewardship in the environment. With name brand gear and a knowledgeable staff to help you gear up for whatever adventure you have in mind, you can rest assure the equipment and information you get is above par. From running, hiking, biking, paddling, climbing REI has everything you need to make the outdoors great again. REI’s passion for the outdoors runs deep and it’s their core purpose to inspire, educate and outfit people for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Springbrook Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole, 72-par championship facility with a natural turf driving range, short range, putting green and two practice bunkers. The clubhouse features a well-stocked golf shop and an eating area that seats 60.

The Illinois Prairie Path was the first successful "rail-to-trail" conversion in the United States and inspired a national rail-to-trail movement in the United States in the mid-1960s. The trail is named for its rare segments of original, thousand year-old prairies. With 62 miles of biking, hiking, jogging, equestrian, and nature trails, this is an amazing natural resource that encompasses 4 towns: Elgin, Aurora, Batavia and Geneva and 3 counties. The surface is both asphalt and crushed stone.

A 143-acre extreme sports park featuring paintball, mountain bike trails, skate park and monthly airsoft games. Available for open or private play year round. Visit www.cpxsports.com or call 815/726-2800 for more info.

The 30-acre park was designed in a way that would serve many purposes. From the canoe/kayak launch and natural landscaping to the VIP Rooftop Deck and 10-acre music venue, this is the new recreation and entertainment destination of the suburbs. Bring your kids and fly a kite. Enjoy a local band in the music pavilion with friends. Spread out a blanket and watch fireworks with the family on the 4th of July. RiverEdge Park is your backyard away from home.

At Fleet Feet Sports Chicago you will find a welcoming environment and customer service that is the cornerstone of health and wellness in the community. Whether you walk, run, exercise or simply need advice and motivation to lead an active lifestyle, the experts at Fleet Feet Sports can help. The staff will work with you to evaluate your individual needs and natural bio mechanics to help select the products that offer the best fit and function for you. Commitment to the betterment of the health and well being of the community runs deep through Fleet Feet educational resources, fitness training and professionally organized award winning events.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 18-hole public golf course and golf shop. Restaurant open for lunch daily; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for dinner. Meeting rooms and banquet facilities for up to 250.

Brunswick Zone XL is a full- feature, family- friendly entertainment destination with something for everyone. Our center in Romeoville sets the standard for family entertainment with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of fun for all ages. Bowling, billiards, video games and more!

A local favorite since 1928, White Pines is conveniently located minutes from O'Hare, and its two year-round 18-hole courses are situated on 240 beautiful acres. Banquet facilities are perfect for golf outings, weddings, business or social events, large and small.

Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville, Illinois, has everything an outdoors fanatic could want. Hikers, bicyclers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers can enjoy more than 6 miles of turf and limestone trails, including a convenient route to the Illinois Prairie Path. Trails around the McKee Marsh area feature two observation decks, a bird blind, and signs that describe the history and ecological significance of the marsh.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - This 9-hole, par-35 course stretches over 3,000 yards. The well-maintained fairways and greens, along with sand and water hazards, offer a unique and challenging golf experience. The newly remodeled clubhouse is a picturesque location for a special event.

The North Branch Trail stretches from Chicago to the northern suburbs. Starting at the Bunker Hill Forest Preserve it twists through 15 miles of small bluffs, ponds, prairie, open grassy parkways and quaint little streams that trickle into the Chicago River. Paved with asphalt, The North Branch Trail makes for an easy to medium level of difficulty.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Over 600 programs are offered by the Hinsdale Parks & Rec Dept. annually. The year round activities are designed to meet the leisure interests of residents and visitors. Community special events and outdoor summer concerts are also organized annually.

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - FitnessNOW - State of the art cardiovascular equipment; Cybex cardio equipment with built in TVs; three lane indoor track; strength training; personal trainers; affordable fees; fun, knowledgeable and motivated staff; and convenient location. Enjoy nine community parks and a variety of sports and activities.

Just 40 minutes from Chicago lies one of the area's premier golf courses. The only Illinois course designed by Pete Dye offers a world-class golf experience and outstanding banquets/weddings for our guests.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Located on 25 acres, with woods, lakes and rolling hills, the course offers 9 holes of challenging golf for beginners and advanced golfers. Reduced rates available for golfers 55 and over. Clubhouse seats 60+ and has a variety of foods.

This center features local natural history exhibits, hands-on displays for children, and family programs that are offered throughout the year. Picnic facilities and camping are available by reservation.

Come explore a child-sized world where children, birth to eight years old, experience creative play and develop their imaginations. Wonder Works is 6,400 square feet of fun and excitement with six permanent exhibits and special events. Memberships, daily admissions, field trip admissions, and during and after hours parties available.

Just 20 miles from downtown Chicago, located in Oak Brook, IL is the Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. It’s an easy hike consisting of a 3.2-mile loop. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Nearly all of the hike follows Salt Creek as it winds around the bluff and past a few islands on its way to the historic watermill at the south tip of the park.

Every year for the holidays, the Chicago Transit Authority decorates one of its trains, inside and out, with twinkling lights and festive decorations. As the holiday train pulls into each station, Santa waves to boarding passengers from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar while elves serenade riders between stops.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - A 61-mile hiking, biking and nature trail follows the bed of a long-gone railroad. It's one of the nation's first linear recreation trails and a model for others in the United States.

Playing this unique, well-conditioned and spectacularly-designed 18-hole course will surely make you want to come back. Full service premier meeting and banquet facility provides outstanding culinary offerings and personal service.

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Professionally designed 18-hole golf course. Putt around a waterfall, through a cave, over a river and under rocks. Coyote Crossing is a great place for birthdays, rentals, picnics, company and other group outings.

Pineapple Dance offers dance and fitness classes to adults and teens in Zumba, Traditional Belly Dance, Hip Hop, West African and more. Movement to music has been a vehicle for celebration and connection in ethnic cultures across the globe and history. The studio is available for rent, rehearsals and or meetings. Special group classes with any of our instructors are available.

With three locations in the Chicagoland area, Uncle Dan's specializes in outdoor equipment and clothing for any adventure. They carry a wide selection of equipment for camping, backpacking, hiking and travel. Every staff member is trained and committed to providing top-notch service and gear that supports a progressive & active lifestyle. At Uncle Dan's, you talk to people who love the outdoors. With the experience and knowledge to answer all your adventure questions and providing you the gear needed for your excursion, no matter where adventure takes you.